Interactive systems and methods with tracking devices

ABSTRACT

A wearable device includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag having a memory that stores identification information. The wearable device also has a power harvesting circuit configured to harness power from electromagnetic radiation. Further, the wearable device has a sensor coupled to the power harvesting circuit and configured to utilize the power to monitor a condition of the wearable device. Even further, the wearable device has a microcontroller coupled to the sensor and configured to write data indicative of the condition to the memory of the RFID tag, wherein the RFID tag is configured to transmit the identification information and the data in response to receipt of the electromagnetic radiation from an RFID reader.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 17/093,304, entitled “INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITHTRACKING DEVICES,” filed on Nov. 9, 2020, which is a continuation ofU.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 16/508,052, now U.S. Pat. No.10,839,178, entitled “INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH TRACKINGDEVICES,” filed on Jul. 10, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/882,761, now U.S. Pat. No.10,360,419, entitled “INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH TRACKINGDEVICES,” filed on Jan. 29, 2018, which claims priority to and thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/617,510, entitled“INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH TRACKING DEVICES,” filed Jan. 15,2018, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties forall purposes.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to interactive systems andmethods. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relateto interactive systems and methods that utilize a wearable device totrack a guest's interactions in an amusement park.

BACKGROUND

Amusement parks and/or theme parks may include various entertainmentattractions. Some existing attractions may provide guests with animmersive or interactive experience. For example, guests may visit areashaving various features, such as audio, video, and special effects. Withthe increasing sophistication and complexity of modern attractions, andthe corresponding increase in expectations among amusement park and/ortheme park guests, improved and more creative attractions are needed,including attractions that provide a more interactive and personalizedexperience.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimedsubject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intendedto limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments areintended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosedembodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety offorms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forthbelow.

In one embodiment, a wearable device includes a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) tag having a memory that stores identificationinformation. The wearable device also includes a power harvestingcircuit configured to harness power from electromagnetic radiation.Further, the wearable device includes a sensor coupled to the powerharvesting circuit and configured to utilize the power to monitor acondition of the wearable device. Even further, the wearable deviceincludes a microcontroller coupled to the sensor and configured to writedata indicative of the condition to the memory of the RFID tag, whereinthe RFID tag is configured to transmit the identification informationand the data in response to receipt of the electromagnetic radiationfrom an RFID reader.

In one embodiment, a system includes a wearable device having aradio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. The RFID tag has a memorythat stores identification information, and the RFID tag is configuredto transmit the identification information to an RFID reader in responseto receipt of electromagnetic radiation from the RFID reader. Further,the wearable device includes a tracking device supported by the wearabledevice and configured to facilitate tracking a position of the wearabledevice. Even further, the wearable device includes a power harvestingcircuit supported by the wearable device and configured to harness powerfrom the received electromagnetic radiation, wherein the harnessed poweris utilized to transmit the identification information and to operatethe tracking device. Further still, the system includes a processorconfigured to receive the identification information from the RFIDreader and a signal indicative of the position of the wearable device,wherein the processor is configured to detect an interaction between thewearable device and an element of an attraction based on the receivedidentification information and the received signal.

In one embodiment, a method includes transmitting electromagneticradiation from a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader. Further,the method includes harvesting power from the electromagnetic radiationusing a power harvesting circuit of a wearable device. Further, themethod includes utilizing the harvested power to operate a sensorsupported by the wearable device to monitor a position of the wearabledevice. Even further, the method includes utilizing the harvested powerto operate a microcontroller supported by the wearable device to writedata indicative of the monitored position to a memory of a RFID tagsupported by the wearable device. Then, the method includes transmittingidentification information and the data from the memory of the RFID tagto the RFID reader in response to receipt of the electromagneticradiation from the RFID reader.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an interactive system, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an illustration showing communication between a reader systemand multiple wearable devices that may be used in the interactive systemof FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing communication between a reader systemand multiple wearable devices proximate to one target that may be usedin the interactive system of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an illustration showing communication between a reader systemand multiple wearable devices having sensors that may be used in theinteractive system of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method of operating a wearable devicehaving a sensor that may be used in the interactive system of FIG. 1 ,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method of operating a wearable devicehaving a light emitter that may be used in the interactive system ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed below. In an effort to provide a concise description of theseembodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not bedescribed in the specification. It should be appreciated that in thedevelopment of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering ordesign project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madeto achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance withsystem-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from oneimplementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that sucha development effort might be complex and time consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, andmanufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

Amusement parks feature a wide variety of entertainment, such asamusement park rides, performance shows, and games. The different typesof entertainment may include features that enhance a guest's experienceat the amusement park. For example, an attraction may include a gamethat has a touchscreen display that detects a guest's touch at arendered image shown on the display screen. However, some interactivesystems may provide a suboptimal experience due to inadequate orunreliable detection of the guest's interaction (e.g., recognition bythe interactive system) with an interactive element (e.g., the renderedimage shown on the display screen). Furthermore, it is now recognizedthat it is desirable for interactive systems to determine an identity ofthe guest that interacted with the interactive element, and thus,accurately and efficiently track points or other game statistics foreach guest.

Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods thatutilize wearable devices (e.g., wearable by one or more guests) to tracka guest's interactions with interactive elements. More particularly, thepresent disclosure relates to an interactive system that includes one ormore radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers and multiple wearabledevices, which each have one or more RFID tags and one or more trackingdevices (e.g., light emitters and/or sensors). The tracking devices maybe part of a tracking system that includes one or more componentsconfigured to generate a signal indicative of a guest's interactionswith interactive elements. In an embodiment, certain tracking devices(e.g., light emitting diodes [LEDs]) of the wearable devices may alsoprovide a visual indication of a successful interaction with aninteractive element of an attraction to a guest wearing the wearabledevice.

As used below, the term “user” may refer to a user of the interactivesystem, and the user may be a guest at an amusement park. By way ofexample, a user may wear or carry the wearable device having the one ormore tracking devices as the user travels through an attraction. Theattraction may have various interactive elements, which may be any of avariety of images or objects (e.g., rendered images, virtual elements,or graphical elements presented on a display screen; physical objects ortargets; costumed characters). To experience the attraction, the usermay interact with the interactive elements, such as by touching aphysical target or approaching a costumed character, for example.

In one embodiment, the tracking device may be a sensor (e.g., motionsensor, such as an accelerometer) that generates a signal indicative ofa condition (e.g., position or movement) of the wearable device. Amicrocontroller of the wearable device may be coupled to the sensor andmay write data indicative of the condition (e.g., based on the signal)to a memory of the RFID tag of the wearable device. As discussed in moredetail below, the data may then be transferred from the RFID tag to anRFID reader, which may be positioned at a location within the attractionand/or proximate to certain interactive elements. A computing systemthat is communicatively coupled to the RFID reader may process the data,such as to determine that the user performed a particular movement(e.g., wave or jab) and/or to assign points to the user, for example.

In one embodiment, the tracking device may be a LED, and light emittedby the LED may be detected by a detector (e.g., light detector orcamera) that is communicatively coupled to a computing system. Thecomputing system may receive and process a signal from the detector todetermine the location of the wearable device, to determine that theuser performed a particular movement (e.g., wave or jab), and/or toassign points to the user, for example. As discussed in more detailbelow, the communication between one or more RFID readers within theattraction and the RFID tag of the wearable device may cause the LED toilluminate, thereby providing feedback to notify the user that thecommunication between the one or more RFID readers and the RFID tag hasoccurred. Because the one or more RFID readers may be positioned at anentrance of the attraction or proximate to the various interactiveelements, illumination of the LED may also indicate to the user that theinteractive system has detected the user within the attraction and/orhas detected the user's interaction with an interactive element, forexample.

Thus, the tracking device may enable the interactive system to track auser's movements (e.g., touching a target, dancing, waving, jabbing, orvarious other gestures), which in turn may also enable the interactivesystem to track the user's progress (e.g., game statistics) as the usertravels through the attraction. For example, the interactive system maydetect and keep track of the number of targets contacted by the userand/or the number of costumed characters met by the user.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of aninteractive system 10 including a reader system 12 (e.g.,radio-frequency identification [RFID] reader system) and a wearabledevice 14. In one embodiment, the wearable device 14 is a wearable orportable device, such as a bracelet, necklace, charm, pin, or toy, thatmay be worn or carried by a user as the user travels through anattraction. As discussed in more detail below, the reader system 12 iscapable of communicating with the wearable device 14 throughelectromagnetic radiation, and the communication enables tracking of theuser's progress through the attraction (e.g., number of rides completed,areas visited, interactive elements contacted, costumed characters met,virtual achievements won). The communication may also enable thewearable device 14 to provide feedback indicative of the progress and/orvarious interactions to the user through a feedback response (e.g.light) output by the wearable device 14.

In one embodiment, the reader system 12 may include a first reader 16, asecond reader 18, and a detector 20 (e.g., a light detector or camera)that are communicatively coupled to a computing system 22 (having amemory 24 and a processor 26) that accesses information stored in one ormore databases 28 (e.g., cloud-based storage system.) Generally, thefirst reader 16 and the second reader 18 transmit electromagneticradiation (e.g., signals) to the wearable device 14. In one embodiment,the first reader 16 transmits signals 30 of one frequency (e.g., range),and the second reader 18 transmits signals 32 of another frequency(e.g., range) that is different from the first frequency. In addition totransmitting signals 30, 32, the first reader 16 and the second reader18 can receive signals, such as signals from the wearable device 14 andsignals from the computing system 22. In one embodiment, the computingsystem 22 instructs the readers (e.g., the first reader 16 and thesecond reader 18) to send signals 30, 32 to the wearable device 14 basedon information stored in data encoded in the one or more databases 28.Thus, it should be appreciated that the first reader 16 and the secondreader 18 may be transceivers that are capable of both sending andreceiving signals. In one embodiment, the detector 20 detects lightemitted from the wearable device 14, and the detection may be used todetect or verify a successful interaction, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the wearable device 14includes a first RFID tag 34, a second RFID tag 36, a microcontroller38, a feedback device 39 (e.g., LEDs, speaker, haptics), one or moretracking devices 40 (e.g., LED or sensor), and power circuitry 42 thatcooperate to enable the wearable device 14 of the interactive system 10to function as disclosed. In one embodiment, the feedback device 39 mayalso operate as the tracking device 40. The first RFID tag 34 and thesecond RFID tag 36 each include an antenna 46 that transmits andreceives signals, a memory 48 storing information (e.g., uniqueidentification code), a microchip 50, and an integrated circuit 52 topower the microchip 50. Additionally, the integrated circuit 52 powersthe power circuitry 42, which provides power to the microcontroller 38.In one embodiment, the power circuitry 36 may include an energy storagedevice (e.g., capacitor, super capacitor, a battery) configured to storepower. As shown, the microcontroller 38 of the wearable device 14includes a memory 44 and a processor 45. The memory 44 storescomputer-readable instructions that are executed by the processor 45 tocontrol operation of the microcontroller 38 and other components of thewearable device 14. In one embodiment, the microcontroller 38 providessignals to the feedback device 39 to cause the feedback device 39 toprovide a feedback response that signifies to the user that a successfulcommunication between the wearable device 14 and the reader system 12has occurred.

In one embodiment, the wearable device 14 may include the trackingdevice 40. In general, the tracking device 40 may be used to detect orverify user interactions with the interactive elements of theattraction. To facilitate discussion of various tracking devices 40 thatmay be used in the wearable device 14, the wearable device 14 of FIG. 1includes two different types of tracking devices 40 (e.g., LEDs 54 a, 54b and sensors 56); however, it should be appreciated that any number(e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or more) and various types of tracking devices 40 maybe used in the wearable device 14. As shown, one tracking device 40includes one or more LEDs 54 a, 54 b, and one tracking device 40includes one or more sensors 56. The LEDs 54 a, 54 b and/or the sensors56 receive control signals from the microcontroller 38, and may alsoreceive power from the power circuitry 42. The LEDs 54 a, 54 b emitlight in response to control signals from the microcontroller 38, andthe emitted light may then be detected by the detector 20. The sensors56 may include an accelerometer, a gyrometer, a pressure sensor, a soundsensor, or a light detector, for example.

In general, the antenna 46 of the first RFID tag 34 is designed toreceive signals 24 from the first reader 16, and the antenna 46 of thesecond RFID tag 36 is designed to receive signals 26 from the secondreader 18 of the reader system 12. In one embodiment, themicrocontroller 38 identifies interactions between the tags 34, 36 andthe readers 16, 18 and sends signals (e.g., control signals) to causeillumination of one or more of the LEDs 54. In one embodiment, the LEDs54 may emit visible light to provide feedback to the user. Thus, theLEDs 54 may operate as the feedback device 29 to provide feedback to theuser, in addition to operating as the tracking device 40 to enable thecomputing system 22 to track the position of the user. In oneembodiment, the wearable device 14 of the interactive system 10 maycontain additional or alternative feedback devices 39, such as audiodevices configured to emit sound or haptics configured to provide atactile output (e.g., vibration). The light emitted by the LEDs 54 maybe detected by the detector 20, which may provide a signal indicative ofthe detected light to the computing system 22. Backscatter indicative ofa unique identification code may also be emitted by the first RFID tag34 and/or the second RFID tag 36, and the backscatter is utilized by thecomputing system 22 to identify the user to facilitate tracking theuser's progress (e.g., game statistics) as the user travels through theattraction.

More particularly, the first reader 16 of the reader system 12continuously transmits signals 30. The antenna 46 of the first RFID tag34 is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation (e.g., signals 30)from the first reader 16, as well as transmit signals 51 to the firstreader 16. The integrated circuit 44 converts the electromagneticradiation received by the antenna 46 into electricity to provide powerto the microchip 50, which generates a backscatter (e.g., signal 51).The backscatter contains information (e.g., unique identification code)stored in the memory 48 of the first RFID tag 34. The backscatter (e.g.,signal 51) is received by the first reader 16, which may send a signalto the computing system 22. The computing system 22 may process thesignal to determine the identity of the user associated with thewearable device 14 (e.g., the user may register the wearable device 14to associate the wearable device 14 with the user prior to experiencingthe attraction) and/or to update information (e.g., game statistics) forthe wearable device 14 in the one or more databases 28. In this manner,the interactive system 10 may detect the presence of the user within theattraction and/or track the user's progress (e.g., general locationand/or game statistics) as the user travels through the attraction.

Furthermore, once power is supplied to the microcontroller 38, theprocessor 45 of the microcontroller 38 may also receive and process asignal from the first RFID tag 34 that indicates that the signal 30 fromthe first reader 16 was received at the first RFID tag 34. The processor45 of the microcontroller 38 may then execute instructions stored on thememory 44 of the microcontroller 38 to illuminate one or more of theLEDs 54 a, 54 b to facilitate tracking and/or to provide feedback to theuser. In one embodiment, the microcontroller 38 may be programmed toprovide a certain type of illumination (e.g., number of lights, color,blinking pattern, length of time) in response to the signal thatindicates that the signal 30 from the first reader 16 was received atthe first RFID tag 34. For example, when the first RFID tag 34 receivesthe signal 30 from the first RFID reader 16, the microcontroller 38 maycause a first LED 54 a to illuminate. In one embodiment, the signals 30transmitted by the first reader 16 are ultra-high frequency (UHF)signals (e.g., having a frequency between approximately 300 megahertzand 3 gigahertz). As such, the first RFID tag 34 may receive signals 51from the first reader 16 when the first RFID tag 34 is located arelatively far distance (e.g., up to approximately 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, ormore meters) away from the first reader 16.

Additionally, the second reader 18 may continuously transmit signals 32.The antenna 46 of the second RFID tag 36 is configured to receiveelectromagnetic radiation (e.g., signals 32) from the second reader 18.The integrated circuit 44 converts the radiation received by the antenna46 into electricity to provide power to the microchip 50, whichgenerates a backscatter (e.g., signal 52). The backscatter containsinformation (e.g., unique identification code) stored in the memory 46of the second RFID tag 36. It should be appreciated that in someembodiments, the information stored in the respective memories 40 of thefirst RFID tag 34 and the second RFID tag 36 may be linked (e.g., thebackscatter generated in response to receipt of the signals 32 at thesecond RFID tag 36 may contain the information stored in the memory 46of the first RFID tag 34), or the first RFID tag 34 and the second RFIDtag 36 may share one memory 46 (e.g., be a dual RFID tag capable ofreceiving different frequency signals). The backscatter (e.g., signal52) is received by the second reader 18, which may send a signal to thecomputing system 22. The computing system 22 may process the signal todetermine the identity of the user associated with the wearable device14 and/or to update information (e.g., game statistics) for the wearabledevice 14 in the one or more databases 28. Because the first RFID reader16 may be associated with a particular area (e.g., room) of theattraction and the second RFID reader 18 may be associated with aparticular interactive element (e.g., physical or virtual target) of theattraction, the computing system 22 may track both the general locationof the user, as well as the user's interactions with the interactiveelements. In this manner, the interactive system 10 may track the user'sprogress (e.g., general location and/or game statistics) as the usertravels through the attraction.

Furthermore, once power is supplied to the microcontroller 38, theprocessor 45 of the microcontroller 38 may also receive and process asignal from the second RFID tag 36 that indicates that the signal 30from the second reader 18 was received at the second RFID tag 36. Theprocessor 45 of the microcontroller 38 may then execute instructionsstored on the memory 44 of the microcontroller 38 to illuminate one ormore of the LEDs 54 a, 54 b to facilitate tracking and/or providefeedback to the user. In one embodiment, the microcontroller 38 may beprogrammed to provide a certain type of illumination (e.g., number oflights, color, blinking pattern, length of time) in response to thesignal that indicates that the signal 32 from the second reader 18 wasreceived at the second RFID tag 36. For example, when the second RFIDtag 36 receives the signal 32 from the second RFID reader 18, themicrocontroller 38 may cause a second LED 54 b to illuminate. In oneembodiment, the signals 32 transmitted by the second reader 16 arenear-field communication (NFC) signals (e.g., having a frequency betweenapproximately 10 to 20 megahertz). As such, the second RFID tag 36 mayreceive signals 32 from the second reader 18 when the second RFID tag 36is within a relatively short distance (e.g., approximately 1, 2, 3, 4,or 5 centimeters) of the first reader 16. Because the first RFID reader16 may be associated with a particular area (e.g., room) of theattraction and the second RFID reader 18 may be associated with aparticular interactive element (e.g., target) of the attraction, theillumination of the LEDs 54 on the wearable device 14 may enable precisetracking and/or multiple types of feedback to the user. For example,illumination of the first LED 54 a in response to receipt of the signals30 from the first RFID reader 16 may notify the user that theinteractive system 10 has detected the user within the particular areaof the attraction, while illumination of the second LED 54 b in responseto receipt of the signals 32 from the second RFID reader 18 may notifythe user that the interactive system 10 has detected the user'sinteraction with the particular interactive element. As discussed inmore detail below, detection of the light from the LED 54 a, 54 b by thedetector 20 may provide additional data (e.g., in addition to the datareceived via the RFID readers 16, 18) to enable the computing system 22to determine that the user is within the particular area of theattraction or has interacted with the interactive element.

In general, the second reader 18 operates similarly to the first reader16; however, the first reader 16 communicates with the first RFID tag 34(and not the second RFID tag 36), while the second reader 18communicates with the second RFID tag 36 (and not the first RFID tag34). The wearable device 14 may include at least two RFID tags 28, 30that are each configured to communicate with respective readers 16, 18that transmit signals 30, 32 that travel different distances. The firstRFID tag 34 and the first reader 16 that communicate over a relativelylong distance enable tracking a general location of the wearable device14 and charging the wearable device 14, while the second RFID tag 36 andthe second reader 18 that communicate over a relatively short distanceenable monitoring interactions based on a contact (or close proximity)between the user and interactive elements in the attraction. However, itshould be appreciated that the second RFID tag 36 may be used to chargethe wearable device 14.

In one embodiment, the interactive system 10 may include multiple firstreaders 16 at different locations within an attraction. As a user movesthrough the attraction, the user's location is updated in the database28 based on which first reader 16 is currently communicating with thewearable device 14. In one embodiment, feedback may be provided to theuser based on each interaction with each one of the first readers 16.For example, one first reader 16 may be positioned at an entrance of theattraction, and another first reader 16 may be positioned in a room orarea of the attraction. In this case, the wearable device 14 providesfeedback (e.g., illumination of the first LED 54 a) upon the userentering the attraction, thereby notifying the user that they have beendetected by the interactive system 10. Then, once the user enters theroom or area, the wearable device 14 provides another feedback (e.g.,the same feedback or a different feedback, such as illumination of thesecond LED 54 b), thereby notifying the user that they have beendetected by the interactive system 10 as being within the new area. Theone or more LEDs 54 may also be used in cooperation with the detector 20to provide tracking of the user.

In one embodiment, one or more first readers 16 and one or more secondreaders 18 may cooperate to improve the user's immersive experience. Forexample, the user may enter an area containing one or more first readers16. The area may include one or more targets each associated with orproximate to one or more second readers 18. As discussed above, once thewearable device 14 is within a range (e.g., a relatively long range) ofone first reader 16 in the area, the wearable device 14 communicateswith the one first reader 16, the database 28 is updated, and thewearable device 14 may provide feedback to the user that they have beendetected within the area. Additionally, once the wearable device 14 iswithin a range (e.g., a relatively short range) of one second reader 18(e.g., due to the user hitting, touching, or walking by the targetassociated with the one second reader 18), the wearable device 14communicates with the one second reader 18, the database 28 is updated,and the wearable device 14 may provide feedback to the user that theyhave successfully interacted with the target (e.g., points have beenassigned). Thus, communication between the wearable device 14 and thefirst readers 16 may provide relatively long range tracking (e.g.,identifying that the user is in a general location defined by the rangeof the first reader 16) of a user throughout the amusement park.Moreover, communication between the wearable device 14 and the secondreaders 18 may provide tracking within a relatively shortly range. Inone embodiment, detectors 20 may be disposed in various portions of theattraction, such as proximate to the interactive elements and/or thesecond readers 18 to detect the light emitted by the LED(s) 54 inresponse to the communication between the second reader 18 and thesecond RFID tag 36.

In one embodiment, the computing system 22 may award points to the userif (e.g., only if) the detector 20 detects the light emitted by the LEDs54 of the wearable device 14, as such detection may indicate the userhas properly positioned their wearable device 14 relative to theinteractive element. In one embodiment, the computing system 22 mayaward points to the user if (e.g., only if) the detector 20 detects thatthe wearable device 14 worn by the user is in motion (e.g., the user iswaving their hand or hitting the target) during (or immediately prior toor immediately after) the interaction or communication between thesecond reader 18 and the second RFID tag 36 of the wearable device 14.In one embodiment, the detector 20 may detect a characteristic (e.g.,color, wavelength, blinking pattern) of the LED 54 of the trackingdevice 40. The characteristic of the LED(s) 54 may be associated withone wearable device 14 or a group of wearable devices 14. Accordingly,detection of the characteristic may be used by the computing system 22to determine or to verify the identity of the guest that completed theinteraction with the interactive element. As such, when the detector 20detects light, light indicative of motion, or light having thecharacteristic, the computing system 22 may award the user points basedon a successful interaction indicated by both communication between thewearable device 14 and the second reader 18 and detection of the lightemitted by the LEDs 54 at the detector 20.

As discussed herein, in one embodiment, the tracking device 40 mayinclude a sensor 56. The sensor 56 may be a gyrometer, accelerometer,pressure sensor, light sensor, or sound sensor, and the microcontroller38 of the wearable device may provide control signals and/or power tooperate the sensor 56. In general operation, the sensor 56 may detect acondition (e.g., movement, position, sound, pressure, or light) that isindicative of the user interacting with an interactive element of theattraction. For example, when the sensor 56 is an accelerometer, thesensor 56 may detect movement of the wearable device 14 by the user,such as jabbing, dancing, or various other gestures. When the sensor 56is a light detector, the sensor 56 may detect the presence or absence oflight. The microcontroller 38 may receive data from the sensor 56 andwrite data to the memory 48 of one or more of the RFID tags 34, 36. Thedata may be transmitted (e.g., through backscatter) by the antenna 46 ofthe one or more RFID tags 34, 36 and read by the respective readers 16,18. Then, based on the data received by the readers 16, 18, the computersystem 22 updates the database 28 and awards points to the user.

As noted above, in one embodiment, the antenna 46 of the first RFID tag34 may only receive UHF waves, while the antenna 46 of the second RFIDtag 36 may only receive NFC waves. For example, the first RFID tag 34may only communicate (e.g., receive or transmit) with UHF waves, and thesecond RFID tag 36 may only communicate with NFC waves. As UHF signalstravel a longer distance, the first RFID tag 34 may frequently orcontinuously receive the UHF signals emitted by the first readers 16 asthe user travels through the attraction, but the second RFID tag 36 mayonly receive the NFC signals emitted by the second readers 18 when theuser positions the wearable device 14 close to the second readers 18.Thus, in one embodiment, the UHF signal may be used for powering orcharging the wearable device 14 (e.g., via power harvesting by theintegrated circuit 44 and power circuitry 36). However, the NFC signalmay also be used for powering or charging the wearable device 14 in asimilar manner.

It should be appreciated that the interactive system 10 may trackmultiple users and/or provide feedback on multiple wearable devices 14.For example, multiple users may each wear a respective wearable device14 that is configured to communicate with multiple first readers 16 andsecond readers 18 disposed in different locations within the attraction.It should also be appreciated that in one embodiment, the wearabledevice 14 of the interactive system 10 may include a single RFID tag(e.g., a dual-frequency RFID tag) that is capable of communicating withsignals of a first frequency (e.g., a range of frequencies) and signalsof a second frequency (e.g., another range of frequencies) to facilitatethe techniques disclosed herein. While certain examples provided hereininclude multiple types of RFID readers 16, 18 and RFID tags 34, 36 tofacilitate discussion of various components that may be utilized in theinteractive system 10, it should be understood that the wearable device14 may include only one RFID tag (e.g., only the first RFID tag 34 oronly the second RFID tag 36), and the reader system 12 may include onlyone type of RFID reader (e.g., only one or more first RFID readers 16configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at one frequency range oronly one or more second RFID reader 18 configured to emitelectromagnetic radiation at one frequency range). Such configurationsmay cause illumination of the LEDs 54 as the user travels through theattraction to facilitate tracking and/or feedback, and/or suchconfigurations may enable tracking using the sensor 56.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first user 60 a wearing a first wearable device 14a, and a second user 60 b wearing a second wearable device 14 b. Theillustrated portion of the interactive system 10 includes two secondreaders 18 a, 18 b, the first reader 16, and the detectors 20, which areall communicatively coupled to the computing system 22. As shown, thefirst reader 16 transmits signals 30 receivable by the wearable devices14 a, 14 b worn by the users 60 a, 60 b. Each second reader 18 a, 18 btransmits signals 32 a, 32 b within respective areas 62 a, 62 b.

In one embodiment, the second readers 18 a, 18 b have a relatively shortcommunication range, and thus, communicate with the wearable devices 14a, 14 b when the users 60 a, 60 b make physical contact with targets 64a, 64 b proximate to the second readers 18 a, 18 b or when the wearabledevices 14 a, 14 b are otherwise brought within the areas 62 a, 62 b.Further, the first reader 16 has a relatively long communication range,and thus, continuously communicates with the wearable devices 14 a, 14 bthrough electromagnetic radiation.

Successful communication between the wearable devices 14 a, 14 b and thesecond readers 18 a, 18 b may result in illumination of the one or moreLEDs 54 a, 54 b of the wearable devices 14 a, 14 b. Upon illumination ofthe LEDs 54 a, 54 b of the wearable devices 14 a, 14 b, the detectors 20provide verification that a correct or desired interaction between thewearable devices 14 a, 14 b and second readers 18 a, 18 b (or betweenthe user and a particular target 64) has occurred. In one embodiment,verification may include determining which user 60 a, 60 b hasinteracted with the second reader 18 a, 18 b. For example,characteristics of the illumination of the LED(s) 54 a, 54 b of thewearable devices 14 a, 14 b may be unique to each wearable device 14 a,14 b. For example, the LED(s) 54 a of the first wearable device 14 a maybe of one color, while the LED(s) 54 b of the second wearable device 14b may be of another color. Further, the LED(s) 54 of the wearabledevices 14 a, 14 b may blink at unique rates or have various otherdifferentiating characteristics detectable by the detectors 20, andthus, the processor 26 of the computing system 22 may determine orreceive an additional input indicative of which wearable device 14 a, 14b is proximate to the target 64 a, 64 b.

More particularly, the first user 60 a wearing the wearable device 14 awith one or more LEDs 54 a is positioned near the target 64 a. Asdiscussed above, the wearable device 14 a receives signals 30 from thefirst reader 16. As such, the components of the wearable device 14 a arepowered and/or the computing system 22 may determine that the first user60 a is in the general vicinity of the target 64 a. However, asillustrated, the wearable device 14 a of the first user 60 a is notwithin the area 62 a of the second reader 18 a. Thus, the wearabledevice 14 a is not in communication with second reader 18 a. However,upon the first user 60 a positioning the wearable device 14 a within thearea 62 a, the wearable device 14 a is in communication with the secondreader 18 a, and in one embodiment, one or more of the LEDs 54 a may beilluminated to facilitate tracking and/or to provide a feedbackresponse. For example, as illustrated, the detector 20 is positionedproximate to the target 64 a and the second reader 18 a. As such, thedetector 20 may detect the light emitted by the one or more LEDs 54 a(e.g., the light emitted to due to the interaction between the secondRFID tag 36 [FIG. 1 ] of the wearable device 14 a and the second reader18 a), while the wearable device 14 is properly positioned relative tothe target 64 a and within the area 62 a proximate to the second reader18 a.

Upon receipt of a signal from the second reader 18 a indicating that aninteraction with the second RFID tag 36 (FIG. 1 ) of the wearable device14 a occurred (which may also include identification informationtransferred from the second RFID tag 36 [FIG. 1 ] from the wearabledevice 14 a) and receipt of a signal from the detector 20 indicatingthat light from the one or more LEDs 54 a was detected and/or hascharacteristics that correspond to the expected characteristics of thelight that should be emitted by the one or more LEDs 54 a of thewearable device 14 a, the computing system 22 will update the database28 with information based on the interaction between the first user 60 aand the target 64 a (e.g., assign points). In one embodiment, thecomputing system 22 may determine whether the wearable device 14 a wasin motion during the interaction between the wearable device 14 a andthe second reader 18 a based on the signal received from the detector 20(e.g., the detector 20 may include imaging sensors or camera or othertypes of detectors capable of detecting movement of the light emitted bythe one or more LEDs 54 a).

As shown, the wearable device 14 b of the second user 60 b is within thearea 62 b containing signals 32 b emitted by the second reader 18 b. Assuch, the wearable device 14 b and the second reader 18 b are incommunication, and the one or more LEDs 54 b of the wearable device 14 bare emitting light 58 that is detectable by the detector 20. Uponreceipt of a signal from the second reader 18 b indicating that aninteraction with the second RFID tag 36 (FIG. 1 ) occurred (which mayalso include identification information transferred from the second RFIDtag 36 from the wearable device 14 b) and receipt of a signal from thedetector 20 indicating that light from the LED 54 b was detected and/orhas characteristics that correspond to the expected characteristics ofthe light that should be emitted by the LED 54 b of the wearable device14 b, the computing system 22 updates the database 28 with informationbased on the interaction between the second user 60 b and the target 64b (e.g., assign points). In one embodiment, the computing system 22 maydetermine whether the wearable device 14 b was in motion during theinteraction between the wearable device 14 b and the second reader 18 bbased on the signal received from the detector 20 (e.g., the detector 20may include imaging sensors or cameras or other types of detectorscapable of detecting movement of the light emitted by the one or moreLEDs 54 b).

As noted above, in one embodiment, the LEDs 54 may emit visible light ofone or more frequencies to enable tracking and also to provide feedbackto the user. However, in one embodiment, the LEDs 54 may emit invisiblelight (e.g., infrared) to enable detecting the LEDs 54 with the detector20, while also limiting potential distractions to the user as the usertravels through the attraction or participates in the game, for example.It should be appreciated that the one or more LED's 54 of the wearabledevices 14 may be illuminated in response to receipt of the signals 30from the first reader 16. In such cases, the detector 20 may detect theemitted light, which may have particular characteristics that enable thecomputing system 22 to determine the identity of the user and toproperly assign points. The signal from the detector 20 may beconsidered in combination with the identification informationtransmitted from the first RFID tag 34 [FIG. 1 ] to the first reader 16to facilitate determination of the identity of the user and properassignment of points. Thus, in some cases, the interactive system 10 mayoperate without the second readers 18.

It should also be appreciated that, in one embodiment, the wearabledevice 14 may contain a light detector, and the illustrated detector 20may, instead, be a light emitter. In such cases, the microprocessor 38may write to the memory 48 of one or more of the RFID tags 34, 36 withinformation indicative of detection of light emitted by the lightemitter at the detector of the wearable device 14. In one embodiment,the detector of the wearable device 14 may be configured to detectdarkness, resulting in the microprocessor 38 writing to the memory 48 ofthe RFID tags based on determining that a light level is below athreshold. The data may be transferred from the memory 48 to of the RFIDreaders 16, 18 and may be used by the computing system 22 to confirm asuccessful interaction (e.g., the user properly positioned the wearabledevice 14 in a dark area).

FIG. 3 illustrates the first user 60 a, the second user 60 b, thedetector 20, the first reader 16, and the second reader 18. The firstreader 16, the second reader 18, and the detector 20 are communicativelycoupled to the computing system 22, as discussed above. The secondreader 18 is emitting signals 32 within the area 62. The first user 60 ais wearing the wearable device 14 a having the one or more LEDs 54 a andthe second user 60 b is wearing the wearable device 14 b having the oneor more LEDs 54 b. As illustrated, the detector 20 detects light withina range 63, which may partially overlap with the area 62 associated withthe range of signals 32 from the second reader 18.

As illustrated, both wearable devices 14 a, 14 b are within the area 62associated with the range of signals 32 from the second reader 18disposed proximate to the target 64. As such, both wearable devices 14a, 14 b are in communication with the second reader 18. However, asillustrated, the wearable device 14 a worn by the first user 60 a isalso within the range 63 associated with the detector 20. The one ormore LEDs 54 a of wearable device 14 a may have a differentcharacteristic illumination than the one or more LEDs 54 b of wearabledevice 14 b (e.g., the one or more LEDs 54 a may emit red light and theone or more LEDs 54 b may emit blue light). In the illustrated example,the detector 20 may only detect the light from the one or more LEDs 54 aof the wearable device 14 a worn by the first user 60 a. Therefore, thecomputing system 22 may determine that the first user 60 a isinteracting differently with second reader 18 (and the target 64) thanthe second user 60 b. In one embodiment, the computing system 22 maymake a determination to award users 60 a, 60 b based on thecommunication between the wearable devices 14 a, 14 b and the secondreader 18, in combination with whether the detector 20 observes the oneor more LEDs 54 (e.g., 54 a and/or 54 b). For example, in theillustrated example, the computing system 22 may only award points tothe first user 60 a because the detector 20 detected the light emittedby the one or more LEDs 54 a of the wearable device 14 a carried by thefirst user 60 a while the wearable device 14 a is within the range 62 ofthe second reader 18.

As noted above, in one embodiment, the interactive system 10 may onlyinclude one reader (e.g., either the first reader 16 or the secondreader 18) and the corresponding RFID tag (e.g., either the first RFIDtag 34 or the second RFID tag 36). For example, if the illustratedinteractive system 10 includes only the first reader 16 and the firstRFID tag 34, the one or more LEDs 54 of the respective wearable devices14 may continuously emit light while the wearable device 14 communicateswith the first reader 16. As such, the computing system 22 may awardpoints to the user when the detector 20 detects the light emitted fromthe one or more LEDs 54 of the wearable device 14.

FIG. 4 illustrates the first user 60 a, the second user 60 b, the secondreaders 18 a, 18 b, and the first reader 16. The first reader 16 and thesecond readers 18 a, 18 b are communicatively coupled to the computingsystem 22. The second reader 18 a is emitting signals 32 a within thearea 62 a. The second reader 18 b is emitting signals 32 b within thearea 62 b. As illustrated, an output device 67 (e.g., speaker, lightemitter) that provides an output 68 (e.g., sound, light) may bepositioned proximate to the target 64 a.

Both the wearable device 14 a of the first user 60 a and the wearabledevice 14 b of the second user 60 b are in communication with the firstreader 16 (e.g., receive signals 30 from the first reader 16), and thus,may be powered and may provide identification (e.g., via backscatter) tothe first reader 16. The wearable device 14 a of the first user 60 a isalso in communication with the second reader 18 a (e.g., is within thearea 62 a and is receiving signals 32 a). In one embodiment, the sensor56 a of the wearable device 14 a may be configured to detect sound, andthe output device 67 may be configured to provide sound as the output68. Thus, when the sensor 56 a detects the output 68, themicrocontroller 38 of the wearable device 14 a may write data indicativeof this detection to the memory 48 of the wearable device 14 a. Then,the antenna 46 of the wearable device 14 a may backscatter the data tothe first reader 16 or the second reader 18 a. The computing system 22may determine that points should be awarded to the first user 60 a basedon the wearable device 14 a being in communication with the secondreader 18 a and also detecting the output 68. It should be appreciatedthat the output device 67 may additionally or alternatively include alight emitter that emits light, and the wearable device 14 a may includea light detector that is configured to detect the light emitted by theemitter to facilitate tracking of the wearable device 14 a.

The sensor 56 b of the wearable device 14 b worn by the second user 60 bmay be a motion sensor, such as a gyroscope or accelerometer, thatdetects the motion or position of the wearable device 14 b. When thesecond user 60 b moves (e.g., illustrated by arrow 70) the wearabledevice 14 b into the area 62 b, the wearable device 14 b is incommunication with the second reader 18 b. In one embodiment, the sensor56 b may also detect the motion or orientation of the wearable device 14b prior to or while the wearable device 14 b is in communication withthe second reader 18 b. For example, the sensor 56 b may only beoperated to sense the condition of the wearable device 14 when thewearable device 14 communicates with the second reader 18 b. In oneembodiment, the sensor 56 b may be operated at other periods of time(e.g., whenever sufficient power is provided, such as via communicationbetween the wearable device 14 b and the first reader 16). In some suchcases, only data obtained when the wearable device 14 b communicateswith the second reader 18 b may be written to the memory 48 of the oneor more RFID tags 34, 36 and/or transferred via backscatter to thecomputing system 22. In some such cases, only data obtained during acertain time period (e.g., approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more secondsprior to an initial communication between the wearable device 14 b andthe second reader 18 b) may be written to the memory 48 of the one ormore RFID tags 34, 36 and/or transferred via backscatter to thecomputing system 22. In some such cases, only data indicative of motionmay be written to the memory 48 of the one or more RFID tags 34, 36and/or transferred via backscatter to the computing system 22.

More particularly, the data measured by the sensor 56 b is written tothe respective memory 48 of the one or more of the RFID tags 34, 36.Then, the data is backscattered to the respective reader 16, 18 b, andthe computing system 22 may make a determination to award points basedon the data indicative of the gesture performed by the second user 60 b.As discussed above, in one embodiment, the interactive system 10 mayonly include type of reader (e.g., one or more first readers 16 or oneor more second readers 18 b), and the sensor 56 may operate to monitorthe condition of the wearable device 14 in a similar manner.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process 80 foroperating the wearable device 14 that includes the sensor 56, inaccordance with present techniques. It is to be understood that thesteps discussed herein are merely exemplary, and certain steps may beomitted or added, and the steps may be performed in a different order.In one embodiment, the process 80 may be executed by the first RFID tag34 and/or the second RFID tag 36 in cooperation with the microcontroller38 and the other components of the wearable device 14.

The process 80 begins with the antenna 46 of the first RFID tag 34and/or the second RFID tag 36 receiving electromagnetic radiation from arespective first reader 16 or second reader 18 (block 82). As discussedabove, after the antenna 46 receives electromagnetic radiation, theantenna 46 may return a backscatter with information stored within thememory 48 of the RFID tag 34, 36 to the respective reader 16, 18. In oneembodiment, this information may include an identification number thatis specific to the wearable device 14, and thus, identifies a user(e.g., user using the wearable device 14). In one embodiment, theelectromagnetic radiation emitted by the first reader 16 travels arelatively long distance, and the electromagnetic radiation emitted bythe second reader 18 travels a relatively short distance. The first RFIDtag 34 is capable of communicating with the first reader 16, and thesecond RFID tag 36 is capable of communicating with the second reader18.

Once the wearable device 14 has received electromagnetic radiation, thewearable device 14 harvests power (block 84) from the electromagneticradiation. As discussed above, the first RFID tag 34 and the second RFIDtag 36 may each include an integrated circuit 52 that powers themicrochip 50. Additionally, the integrated circuit 52 powers the powercircuitry 42, which provides power to the microcontroller 38 (block 86)and other components of the wearable device 14 (e.g., the sensor 56). Inone embodiment, the power circuitry 36 may include a capacitor orbattery that is electrically coupled to a receiver coil and that storespower upon the wearable device 14 receiving signals from the firstreader 16 and/or the second reader 18.

Once the microcontroller 38 is powered, the microcontroller 38 may thenoutput a signal (e.g., control signal) to power the sensor 56 of thewearable device 14 (block 86). Once the sensor 56 is powered, it maymeasure or determine information indicative of a condition of thewearable device 14. For example, when the sensor 56 is an accelerometer,the sensor 56 might detect motion of the wearable device 14. The sensor56 may transmit information to the microcontroller 38 indicative of thedetected motion or position of the wearable device 14.

Then, microcontroller 38 utilizes the power to write data indicative ofthe position or movement of the wearable device 14 to the memory 48 ofan RFID tag (e.g., first RFID tag 34 and/or second RFID tag 36) (block88). In one embodiment, an accelerometer may detect a motion of or aforce applied to the wearable device 14 for an amount of time. Forexample, the motion or the force may be associated with a user hittingthe target 64, as discussed above. The associated information is thenwritten as data to the memory 48 of the RFID tags 34 and/or 36. The datawritten to the memory 48 of the RFID tags 34 and/or 36 is transmitted(e.g., through backscatter) to the one or more readers (e.g., firstreader 16 and/or second reader 18). Then, the computing system 22process the information and may update the database 28 and/or awardpoints based at least in part on the information measured by the sensor56 b. In one embodiment, the data may be indicative of a sensor 56receiving sound or light waves. As such, the data would be indicative ofthe wearable device 14 being in an area where the wearable device 14could receive such waves. For example, an attraction of an amusementpark may include multiple light emitters that emit light. Thus, dataindicative of the sensor 56 detecting the light is indicative of theposition of the user within the attraction.

Once the data indicative of the position or movement of the wearabledevice 14 is written to the memory 48 of the RFID tag 34, 36, thewearable device 14 may transmit identification information and data fromthe RFID tag to the reader 16, 18 (block 90). As discussed above, theantenna 46 of the RFID tag 34, 36 may communicate with the reader 16, 18by backscatter. In one embodiment, when the wearable device 14 iscommunicating with the reader system 12 (e.g., the RFID tags 34, 36 arereceiving signals 30, 32 from the reader 16, 18), the antenna 46 of theRFID tags 34, 36 may continuously backscatter data indicative of theposition or movement of the wearable device 14. As such, the computingsystem 22 may award points to a user once the data is above a certainthreshold (e.g., the data from an accelerometer indicates that a usermade an intentional motion, such as a wave or a jab), for example.

As discussed above, the wearable device 14 may additionally oralternatively include one or more LEDs 54 that operate as the trackingdevice 40. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating of one embodiment of aprocess 92 for operating the wearable device 14 that includes the one ormore LEDs 54, in accordance with present techniques. It is to beunderstood that the steps discussed herein are merely exemplary, andcertain steps may be omitted or added, and the steps may be performed ina different order. In one embodiment, some steps of the process 92 maybe executed by the first RFID tag 34 and/or the second RFID tag 36 incooperation with the microcontroller 38 and the other components of thewearable device 14. Additionally, some steps of the process 92 may becarried out by the detector 20 that is communicatively coupled to thecomputing system 22.

The process 92 begins with the antenna 46 of the first RFID tag 34and/or the second RFID tag 36 receiving electromagnetic radiation from arespective first reader 16 or second reader 18 (block 82). As discussedabove, after the antenna 46 receives electromagnetic radiation, theantenna 46 may return a backscatter with information stored within thememory 48 of the RFID tag 34, 36 to the respective reader 16, 18. In oneembodiment, this information may include an identification number thatis specific to the wearable device 14, and thus, identifies a user(e.g., user using the wearable device 14). In one embodiment, theelectromagnetic radiation emitted by the first reader 16 travels arelatively long distance, and the electromagnetic radiation emitted bythe second reader 18 travels a relatively short distance. The first RFIDtag 34 is capable of communicating with the first reader 16, and thesecond RFID tag 36 is capable of communicating with the second reader18.

Once the wearable device 14 has received electromagnetic radiation, thewearable device 14 harvests power (block 84) from the electromagneticradiation. As discussed above, the first RFID tag 34 and the second RFIDtag 36 may each include an integrated circuit 52 that powers themicrochip 50. Additionally, the integrated circuit 52 powers the powercircuitry 42, which provides power to the microcontroller 38 and othercomponents of the wearable device 14 (e.g., tracking device 40, such asthe LED 54). In one embodiment, the power circuitry 36 may include acapacitor or battery that is electrically coupled to a receiver coil andthat stores power upon the wearable device 14 receiving signals from thefirst reader 16 and/or the second reader 18.

Once the microcontroller 38 is powered, the microcontroller 38 thenoutputs a signal (e.g., control signal) to power one or more LED(s) 54of the tracking device 40 (block 94). In one embodiment, the controlsignal is a variable voltage applied to one or more of the LEDs 54,which causes the LED to emit light intermittently at a particular rate.

Then, the detector 20 detects the light emitted by the one or more LEDs54 (block 96). For example, the detector 20 may detect that the wearabledevice 14 worn by the user is in motion (e.g., the user is waving theirhand or hitting the target) during the interaction or communicationbetween the second reader 18 and the second RFID tag 36 of the wearabledevice 14. In one embodiment, the detector 20 may monitor acharacteristic (e.g., color, blinking pattern) of the LED 54 of thetracking device 40. The characteristic of the LED(s) 54 may beassociated with one wearable device 14 or a group of wearable devices14. As such, when the detector 20 detects light, light indicative ofmotion, or light having the characteristic, the computing system 22 mayaward the user points based on a successful interaction indicated byboth communication between the wearable device 14 and the second reader18, and detection of the light emitted by LED 54 at the detector 20.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to an interactive systemhaving a reader system and a wearable device that utilize RFID to tracka guest's interactions with interactive elements. More specifically, thereader system includes one or more readers that communicate (e.g.,transmit and receive signals) with one or more tags of a wearable devicethrough electromagnetic radiation. The readers continuously emitelectromagnetic radiation within a range (e.g., communication range),and upon the wearable device entering that range, the readerscommunicate with the wearable device. The electromagnetic radiation thatis received by the wearable device provides power to a tracking device.For example, the tracking device may include LEDs that emit light thatis detected by a detector. In one embodiment, a computing system iscommunicatively coupled to the detector and determines or confirms theidentification of a user based on a characteristic of the LED that maybe specific to the wearable device (e.g., the LED of one wearable devicemay emit a red light, while the LED of another wearable device 14 emitblue light). In one embodiment, the computing system may award points toa user, or otherwise update a user profile of the user, based at leastin part on the detected light. In one embodiment, the tracking devicemay be a sensor configured to detect a condition, such as a position ormovement, of the wearable device. The movement may be indicative of auser performing an appropriate gesture (e.g., jabbing, jumping, dancing,waving, or other gestures) that may be expected or called for at aparticular interactive element. The data obtained by the sensor may bestored on a memory of one or more RFID tags of the wearable device, andthen transmitted (e.g., via backscatter) to the respective reader, whichis communicatively coupled to the computing system. In one embodiment,the computing system may award points to a user, or otherwise update auser profile of the user, based at least in part on the conditiondetected by the sensor.

While only certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications and changes will occur to thoseskilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appendedclaims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit of the disclosure. It should be appreciated thatany of the features illustrated or described with respect to FIGS. 1-6may be combined in any suitable manner. For example, the wearable device14 may include any suitable combination of sensors 56 and LEDs 54 tofacilitate tracking of the wearable device 14.

The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and appliedto material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature thatdemonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are notabstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claimsappended to the end of this specification contain one or more elementsdesignated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for[perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements areto be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claimscontaining elements designated in any other manner, it is intended thatsuch elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A system, comprising: a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) reader configured to transmit electromagneticradiation comprising a frequency that enables the RFID reader to readidentification information stored in a RFID tag associated with adevice; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the RFIDreader, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: receivethe identification information from the RFID reader; receive dataindicative of a position of the device; and identify an interactionbetween an interactive element of an attraction and a guest based on thereceived identification information and the received data.
 22. Thesystem of claim 21, comprising a detector configured to generate thedata indicative of the position of the device.
 23. The system of claim22, wherein the detector comprises a light detector configured to detectlight emitted by a light emitter of the device.
 24. The system of claim23, wherein the data indicates a characteristic of the light, and theone or more processors are configured to update a guest profile of theguest based on the interaction in response to the characteristic of thelight corresponding to the identification information.
 25. The system ofclaim 21, comprising the device, wherein the device comprises anaccelerometer, a pressure sensor, a gyrometer, or a combination thereofconfigured to generate the data indicative of the position of thedevice.
 26. The system of claim 21, comprising the device, wherein thedevice comprises a portable device configured to be worn or carried bythe guest.
 27. The system of claim 21, wherein the one or moreprocessors are configured to: determine a gesture performed by the guestbased on the received data during the interaction; and adjust theinteractive element of the attraction based on the determined gesture.28. The system of claim 27, wherein the one or more processors areconfigured to update a database to award points to the guest in responseto determining that the gesture performed by the guest corresponds to anappropriate gesture.
 29. The system of claim 21, wherein the RFID readeris associated with the interactive element of the attraction.
 30. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein the data indicative of the position of thedevice comprises data indicative of movement of the device.
 31. Amethod, comprising: receiving, at one or more processors and from aradio-frequency identification (RFID) reader, identification informationstored in a RFID tag read by the RFID reader; receiving, at the one ormore processors and from a detector, data indicative of a position of adevice associated with the RFID tag; identifying, using the one or moreprocessors, an interaction between an interactive element of anattraction and a guest based on the received identification informationand the received data; and adjusting, using the one or more processors,the interactive element of the attraction based on the identifiedinteraction.
 32. The method of claim 31, comprising generating, usingthe detector, the data in response to detecting light emitted by one ormore light emitting diodes (LEDs) supported by the device.
 33. Themethod of claim 32, wherein the data indicates a characteristic of thelight, and the method comprises: updating, using the one or moreprocessors, a guest profile of the guest based on the interaction inresponse to the characteristic of the light corresponding to theidentification information.
 34. The method of claim 31, comprisingtransmitting, using the one or more processors and based on theidentified interaction, a control signal that causes activation of afeedback device on the device.
 35. The method of claim 31, comprisingdetermining, using the one or more processors, that the device is inmotion during the interaction based on the data indicative of theposition of the device.
 36. A system, comprising: a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) reader configured to transmit electromagneticradiation comprising a frequency that enables the RFID reader to readidentification information associated with a RFID tag of a device; alight detector configured to detect light emitted by a light emitter ofthe device; one or more processors communicatively coupled to the readerand the light detector, wherein the one or more processors areconfigured to: receive, from the RFID reader, the identificationinformation; receive, from the light detector, data indicative ofdetection of the light emitted by the light emitter of the device; andidentify an interaction between an interactive element of an attractionand a guest based on the received identification information and thereceived data.
 37. The system of claim 36, wherein the light detector isconfigured to detect infrared light emitted by the light emitter of thedevice.
 38. The system of claim 36, comprising the device, wherein thedevice comprises a portable device configured to be worn or carried bythe guest.
 39. The system of claim 36, wherein the device is registeredto the guest and is associated with the guest in a database.
 40. Thesystem of claim 39, wherein the data indicates a characteristic of thelight, and the one or more processors are configured to update a guestprofile of the guest in the database based on the interaction inresponse to the characteristic of the light corresponding to theidentification information.